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1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark


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avery53
New User

Nov 24, 2009, 11:03 AM

Post #1 of 9 (1810 views)
1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

1995 Olds Cutlass Supreme
3.1 Engine 140,000 miles

I had a head gasket leaking. I changed the gaskets, hooked everything back up, but now have no spark to the plugs.
I took all the wire connections back apart, checked them for corrosion, broken wires, etc, but found nothing.
Engine cranks over just fine, but no fire.
This engine ran great before the gasket change. I was just getting air into my cooling system, leading to overheating problems.
I have repeatably checked, and double checked connections.
Am I overlooking something? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks
avery


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Nov 24, 2009, 6:37 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1802 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

avery; The intake and exhaust pushrods are of different lengths. Are you certain that you are lacking spark? Very easy to get the pushrods mixed up, which can bend valves, collapse lifters, ect.
Loren
SW Washington


avery53
New User

Nov 24, 2009, 7:17 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1798 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

Loren, I read about the pushrod different length's before I tore it down.
I made slits in the bottom of a cardboard box to put each pushrod in to maintain correct order for reassembly.
Thanks
avery


chickenhouse
Enthusiast

Nov 24, 2009, 9:04 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1792 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

Might try taking the coil packs off and take the ignition control module to like O'reily's or Autozone where they can hook it up and test to make sure that's not the prob.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 25, 2009, 3:38 AM

Post #5 of 9 (1788 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

  All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



avery53
New User

Nov 25, 2009, 7:45 AM

Post #6 of 9 (1780 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

Lacking the correct equiptment to do all the testing required, I have GM mechanic coming this evening to check things out for me.
Thank you all for helping me.
avery


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Nov 25, 2009, 10:43 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1774 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

Double check all the connectors you took apart, especially the ones to the ign module. Maybe take module ones back off & make sure you didn't bend any pins. Also get a test light & check the fuses....


avery53
New User

Nov 25, 2009, 3:37 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1768 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

Well, before the repairman showed up, I decided to give it ONE more look see.
Climbing under the car I traced the wires coming out of the crank sensor on side of the engine.
The wire disappears after a few inches, and can not be seen. I then go up under the master cylinder, virtually standing on my head, reaching down to find the wires. I find them, and DUH, there is the wire. It had fallen down as far as it could go without falling out the bottom.
The wire I had plugged into the module was the BlushBlushBlush------------------hood light. BlushBlushBlushBlushBlushBlush
Talk about feeling like a moron, geeeezzzz!
Plugged it in, problem solved.
Thanks again everyone
Bonehead (avery)


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Nov 25, 2009, 5:22 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1766 views)
Re: 1995 Olds Cutlass--Lost Spark Sign In

LOL..... good job on finding the wire. Don't ya hate it when that happens Smile

I guess that also explains why the module was lighting up every time you opened the hood.....Wink






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